Phishing Scams: What They Are & How to Avoid Them
Phishing scams remain one of the biggest cybersecurity threats facing UK businesses today. In fact, phishing is involved in the vast majority of data breaches worldwide. These attacks are designed to trick users into handing over sensitive information such as passwords, payment details, or access to company systems, often without the victim realising until it’s too late.
For businesses of all sizes, understanding how phishing works is essential to reducing risk and protecting data.
What Is Phishing?
Phishing is a type of cyber attack where criminals impersonate a trusted organisation or individual to steal information. These scams are no longer limited to email alone and can appear across multiple platforms, including email, text messages (often called smishing), phone calls (vishing), social media messages, fake websites, and cloned login pages.
The goal is always the same: to convince the recipient to click a link, download a file, or trust a request that appears legitimate, but isn’t.
Common Types of Phishing Scams
Email phishing is the most common form. Messages often appear to come from banks, HMRC, Microsoft, PayPal, delivery companies, or even internal colleagues. They typically use urgency, such as account warnings or payment issues, to pressure recipients into acting quickly.
Spear phishing is more targeted. Attackers gather personal information from LinkedIn or social media to craft convincing messages aimed at specific individuals, often senior staff or finance teams.
CEO fraud involves impersonating company directors or managers, requesting urgent payments, gift cards, or sensitive information. These scams are particularly effective in busy workplaces.
Clone phishing copies a genuine email but replaces links or attachments with malicious versions, making it difficult to spot the difference.
Smishing and vishing use text messages or phone calls to impersonate banks, suppliers, or service providers, often requesting immediate action.
How to Avoid Phishing Attacks
Preventing phishing requires both technology and awareness. Staff should always check email addresses carefully, avoid clicking unexpected links, and never download suspicious attachments. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of protection even if login details are compromised.
Regular staff training, device updates, email filtering, and antivirus software all play an important role. Education remains one of the strongest defences against phishing.
How CapNet Can Help
At CapNet, we help businesses defend against phishing with security awareness training, advanced email filtering, managed cybersecurity tools, and ongoing IT support. By combining technology with education, we help keep your systems secure and your staff informed, reducing risk around the clock.
Contact CapNet today to strengthen your defences and protect your business from phishing attacks.